Algernon has bloat

[zekwean]

My ancient pleco developed bloat. I have done two big tank and filter changes, and fed him some minced peas. He became more active at first, but is still drifting and staying near the top of the tank. He's in a 35 gallon tank with another older catfish, and both have been very healthy until Algernon's bloat.

I don't know whether to treat the whole tank with epsom salt, or to treat him separately. I have also read of using meds, but am unsure which to use.

The tank has a big Magnum filter, and the water always smells sweet. I use activated charcoal for filtration, and a sleeve over the carbon container to help good bacteria grow.

Any suggestions will be appreciated. When I say ancient, Algernon is at least 25 years old and still is very active and, to me, a very beautiful fish.

 

[thefredpit]

what type of pleco is Algernon

 

[kno4te]

Wow 25 year old pleco! Pretty cool. Sorry your fish is sick.

Would separate it. Try some kanamycin, furan2, maracyn2 or triple sulfa. Add prazipro and epsom salt 1 tbsp per 5 gallon.

Cross your fingers and hope it gets better.

 

[zekwean]

what type of pleco is Algernon

I'm pretty sure he's a "common" pleco, or Hypostomus plecostomus.

 

[zekwean]

Wow 25 year old pleco! Pretty cool. Sorry your fish is sick.

Would separate it. Try some kanamycin, furan2, maracyn2 or triple sulfa. Add prazipro and epsom salt 1 tbsp per 5 gallon.

Cross your fingers and hope it gets better.

Thanks for the suggestions. Think I'll try a bath first. I got a 10"x8" net in case I have to net him. I could add the prazipro to the bath to avoid medicating the whole tank. Wonder if the netting is too much trauma. He's still pretty lively, and doesn't spend all his time at the top of the tank, so his swim bladder is still in decent shape.

His tankmate is, I think, a
Asian stone catfish (Hara jerdoni)
Pretty tough stuff. Do you think the meds would harm him? Think I have some maracyn2 from days when I stocked cichlids. If I used the prazipro, would I still use something like the maracyn2?